July 2008
The current climate of OH & S responsibilities is putting pressure on anyone who has a 'duty of care' for anybody who works for and with them, including visitors and clients who use their facilities.
Colin Bell, the divisional manager for Ductclean Australia, explains that the scope of responsibility is wider than most think, extending to all levels of management where there is a delegated “duty of care”.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 No 40 specifies that:
1) An employer must ensure the health safety and welfare of all the employees of the employer.
2) An employer must also ensure that people (other than the employees of the employer) are not exposed to risk to their health or safety arising from the conduct of the employer’s undertaking while they are at the employers place of work.
Until recently, the OH & S focus has been on preventing more obvious and immediate incidents, but recent studies show that work place hazards such as sick building syndrome manifest over long periods of time, requiring owners and managers to have regard to longer term duty of care obligations for both obvious and long term health consequences.
ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke) and residual smoking related deposits are also becoming litigious issues. There are a myriad of treatments or “fixes” for these situations, some practical and some not.
The most practical approach to identify whether duct systems may be contaminated by residual deposits or have mould growth, is to carry out a detailed examination and report on all areas of the system. This may include microbiological analysis of air quality, duct and air handling unit surfaces, together with full photographic report of internal conditions. The report can be used to demonstrate compliance with “duty of care” responsibilities, or assist in prioritising areas that need attention.
Ductclean Australia works closely with their clients to develop pro-active programs of HVAC cleaning & maintenance that recognises the potential hazard that may exist in this equipment, by addressing the obvious areas of HVAC contamination.These programs have been tailored to suit hotels, clubs, shopping centres & health care facilities including hospital operating theatres & critical care units.
Finally, when dealing with any HVAC cleaning contractor, make sure he is a member in good standing of NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association), the world leading trade organisation that requires members to meet exacting standards of professional qualification
